Member of Parliament for Damongo Samuel Abu Jinapor has argued that President John Dramani Mahama has appointed 100 ministers, contrary to claims that he has reduced the size of this government.
He raised concerns over the increasing number of presidential appointees and their financial burden on the national exchequer, even though they do not undergo Parliamentary vetting.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, March 5, during the debate on the State of the Nation Address, Jinapor questioned the necessity and cost implications of the numerous advisors and staffers appointed by the president.
He referred to specific appointments, such as Dr. Valerie Sawyer, Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Government Affairs, who holds the rank of a Cabinet Minister.
He noted that her salary, benefits, and office expenses are equivalent to those of a Cabinet Minister who also serves as a Member of Parliament.
The MP went on to list a series of other appointments, including Presidential Advisors on Economy, 24-Hour Economy, Special Aid to the President, National Anti-Corruption Program, and Diaspora Affairs. He also mentioned the appointment of Presidential Staffers for the Vice President, Black Star Experience, and Diaspora Affairs, as well as five Policy Advisors to the Vice President.
“Mr. Speaker, he goes on to appoint Presidential Advisor, Presidential Staffer in Special Aid to the Vice President. Presidential Staffer for Black Star Experience. And then Presidential Staffer for Diaspora Affairs.”
“The list goes on and on. I won’t be surprised if very soon we have a Presidential Advisor on ‘nkuk ɔ nkitin nkti, or ‘Okada’ business,” he said sarcastically.
Abu Jinapor condemned the appointment of 16 Presidential Staffers in charge of the 16 regions of the country, arguing that these positions effectively function as Deputy Ministers of State.
He questioned the rationale behind these appointments, especially when the president had previously stated his intention to reduce the number of Deputy Regional Ministers.
“Mr. Speaker, I want to submit that these Presidential Staffers in charge of the 16 regions of our country, in essence, as it relates to the cost on the National Exchequer, are indeed and in substance, Deputy Ministers of State,” he asserted.
He also pointed out the extensive media and communication team appointed by the president, including 1 Presidential Advisor for Media, 4 Directors of Communication, 5 Deputy Directors, 2 Communication Specialists, 5 Technical Communication Assistants, 1 Media Aide, 1 Assistant Media Liaison Officer, and 1 Communicative Consultant.
“Mr. Speaker, I’ve done the Mathematics, and I want to submit that the President has appointed 100 Ministers and Deputy Ministers,” Jinapor said, emphasizing the financial strain these appointments place on the national budget.
Jinapor, who previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff, stressed that his critique was not partisan but based on his experience in government. He called for greater prudence in governance to reduce unnecessary expenditure and ensure efficient use of public funds.
“I do this not from a partisan lens, but as somebody who had the privilege and honour to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. I know how it works. In terms of the cost on the National Exchequer, these appointments are excessive,” stressed